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Euphemisms, on the other hand, are used to obfuscate the actual meaning of a word. For example, intercourse is a synonym for sex, while diddle is a euphemism.

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Today’s English is loaded with euphemisms for delicate subjects. They’re often used in polite society to avoid appearing uncivilized. But don’t confuse them with synonyms. A synonym is a word replacement that has the same or very similar meaning to the original word. They are often used to enrich prose and clarify meaning. Euphemisms, on the other hand, are used to obfuscate the actual meaning of a word. For example, intercourse is a synonym for sex, while diddle is a euphemism.

It can be difficult to understate the “true” meaning of a euphemism unless it’s been widely used over a long period. Eventually, euphemisms lose their impact like a punch-drunk fighter, which of course is a simile.

Benjamin Franklin was a student of many intellectual disciplines, language being one of them. In the 1730s he published a list of 227 euphemisms and 1 synonym for a common vice of his day. The vice is as common now as it was then but tolerated better today. I’ve shared twenty of the euphemistic phrases and words below–the synonym would have let the cat out of the bag: metaphor. Can you identify the vice?

Affected

Biggy

Cock’d

Has killed a dog

Prince Eugene

Frogs for breakfast

Got a kick in the gut

Hammerish

Jagged

Got kibed heels

Makes indentures with his legs

Seen a flock of moons

Nimtopsical

Smelt an onion

Pungy

Like a rat in trouble

Burnt his shoulder

Tanned

Makes Virginia fame

Wise

There is a subtle, some might say obscure, hint in the opening. If you want the answer, post your guess in the comment field here or on Facebook, and I’ll let you know if you’re correct.

At the paternity hearing, the judge asked the accused, “Have you ever slept with this woman?” “Not a wink, Your Honor! Not a wink”
The suspicious wife asked her husband, “How man women have you slept with?” he replied, “Only you, my dear. With all the rest, I was awake.” 😆 😯